2nd Annual Alumni Night

On January 30, Newark High School Sports Boosters will be hosting the 2nd annual Alumni Night. Alumni Night is a night of basketball at Newark for players from the girls and boys basketball programs. Newark has always had a rich tradition in both programs and it’s a good way to get some old faces back to NCHS.

The Boosters are coordinating with alumni Matt Akre and Brian Hatteberg to help organize and run this year’s event. Matt and Brian have worked on reaching out to the alumni and organize who all is attending. These two were both very involved in the event last year as well.

Last year was a great success as about 40 alumni came back to Newark for a night of hoops. When asked about the expected turnout for this year, Matt Akre said, “We are expecting a similar number of players this year. The majority last year were from the men’s side, so we’re hoping for a better turnout from the women’s side this year.” Matt also stressed how important it was to bring back the alumni “It is important to recognize the athletes that have helped make Newark into the program it is today.”

Alumni Night brings back former players to play on their old home court. For some, it is a chance to relive their high school days as members of the Newark Basketball program. When asked what he missed most about his high school playing days, Matt responded, “The overall team element. When you are practicing and working together to achieve something, it feels very special when you actually have success. I miss the importance of every practice and game.”

Overall Alumni Night is a great way to bring the Newark basketball alumni back to keep the rich tradition alive and allow them to get back to the floor that holds some great memories.

By Will Clausel